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City of Chillicothe (2021) Print
2021 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Transportation
└ Public or private transit access
└ Public or private transit access
A planning study revealed a lack of accessibility throughout the Chillicothe Transit System, with some riders to sit on the ground while they wait for the bus. To address this, the City stepped in the make bus stops more accommodating for riders of all ages and abilities. First, project organizers identified areas of town with high numbers of older adult transit riders and passengers with mobility challenges. Then they installed benches -- as well as swing sets -- at several bus stops. They also added bus shelters at two stops and erected new signage at more than 60 others. In the future, project organizers plan to add a mural to the pavement at the local library's bus stop. Organizers say the improvements make waiting for the bus more comfortable, which may lead to increased ridership.
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Corydon, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Rural residents in Southern Indiana, especially older adults and people with disabilities, lacked reliable transportation to health care and other essentials. Blue River Services expanded its transit system into Floyd County, hired additional drivers and launched public awareness campaigns. The service now offers door-to-door rides with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained staff. This expansion closed a critical gap and secured funding for a new vehicle to sustain service. One rider shared, "I am so very thankful that I now have reliable transportation to and from Baptist Hospital for treatment each week... I would not be able to go places without them!"
Omaha, NE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: Two South Omaha intersections lacked safe crossings, contributing to serious injuries for pedestrians, including older adults. The city installed modular refuge islands, ADA-compliant ramps, new crosswalks and signage to make crossings safer, with LED lighting planned next. The quick-build approach gave officials experience for future projects and drew attention to pedestrian safety. "This is a great corridor to install this infrastructure," said Metro Transits CEO, citing its importance for a heavily used transit route.
Indianapolis, IN
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Public or private transit access
Description: It rains more than one out of three days, on average, in Indianapolis. To give riders of the city's public transit system a more comfortable wait for the bus -- even in wet weather -- IndyGo made outfitted three bus stops with shelters. Additionally, they added sidewalk ramps and seating to make them ADA compliant, allowing people of all ages and abilities to use them.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Chillicothe, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: The City of Chillicothe transformed a neglected lot in the Sixth Ward into its first neighborhood park, addressing a lack of green space in an area with high obesity rates and low life expectancy. The new pocket park features ADA-compliant walkways, benches, picnic tables and a playground, all within a fenced, well-lit space. Residents now have a safe place to gather and stay active, with one grandmother sharing that her grandkids "are so excited to walk to the park and play" while she enjoys sitting nearby.
Lancaster, OH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Bike Audits
Description: A bike path connecting a high school and a community park lacked safety features, prompting two audits to identify hazards and gather community input. Residents, local partners and an injury prevention specialist joined the effort, and feedback was shared with the city planner to guide upgrades. Plans now include safer crossings and enhancements like public art, while the audit report will support funding applications for long-term improvements. One older participant suggested organizing groups to keep the path clean, reflecting strong community engagement.
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